The discussion centred around Mr. Vecchio's emigration experience and his inventions and compositions.
Left Grimaldi in 1950 but before leaving composed a song titled "Un
Saluto al Mio Paesello" ["A Salute to My Hometown"] based on words by Professor Rosario Colistro; a descendant of the Professor's, John Colistro of Thunder Bay, in a recent book on the immigration history of Grimaldi talks of the composition.1
His compositions include:
a hymn to Santa Maria Goretti with lyrics by Father Francesco Mascetti from Lazio
Mass Gloria a Te, Signore [Glory to Thee, O Lord], composed for Father Augusto Feccia on the 25th anniversary of his priesthood
Attended evening classes to acquire English and in 1952 moved to Edmonton where he obtained work as a carpenter
Established his first dance band in 1956 that also
included his brother Silvano Vecchio on guitar (he was
later to become a physician); Fiore arranged music for special occasions including weddings
Began work as a realtor but continued to cultivate his musical passion and this creativity also spurred his inventions
Wanted to excel and succeed so always challenged himself
In 1980 became the director of the Coro Italiano of the Santa Maria Goretti Parish and began to compose religious works; first composition was a Mass for choir and two voices with organ, trumpet and violin accompaniment titled Gloria a te, Signore [Glory to Thee, O Lord], composed for Father Augusto Feccia on the 25th anniversary of his priesthood; songs include "Nella
Casa del Padre ["In the House of the
Father"], words by Father Umberto Rizzi; "Quanto e grande il Signore" ["How Great Thou Art"], words by Father Rizzi; "Ritorno dove son Nato" ["I return to where I was born"], words by Professor Matteo Saccomanno; "Padre Nostro" ["Our Father"] written to the memory of his Father (this last is sung at the Sunday Mass at the Santa Maria Goretti Parish)
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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